Surface covering and assembly thereof



Feb. ll, 1941. A. s. VANE SURFACE COVERING AND-ASSEMBLY THEREOF Filed oct. 11, 1957 INVENTOR @gag w JI /fze ATTORNEY Patented Feb. Il, 1941 UNITED STATES SURFACE COVERING AND ASSEMBLY THEREOF Augustus S. Vane, Irvington, N. Y.,` assignor to Bakelite Building Products Co., Inc., New York, N. Y., a corporation of Delaware Application october 11, 1937, serial No. 168,376

15 claims.

This invention relates to building materials, particularly to improvements in siding constructions.

An object of my invention is to provide a 5 composite siding unit compri-sing a substantially stiff base, preferably of considerable thickness and possessed of good insulating properties, and

an outer cover member separable or permanently attached thereto, which may be of flexible l weather-resistant composition material, such as is generally used andwell known to those skilled in the art.

'I'he invention has as a further object, the creation of a novel joint between adjacent courses l of composite units whereby the adjacent units and cover pieces maybe interlocked and only a single line of fasteners such as nails are re- A quired to mount the units to the supporting surface.

20 A further object of the invention is to provide a novel siding simulating clapboard siding, Wherein the uniformity of the surface is broken by joints created by the cover pieces of my invention.

25 Also, the invention is directed to the use of composite units comprising a base of fibrous insulation material, which may also be treated to be weather-resistant, and a loose cover piece having a hook-like lower edge portion, which 30 cover piece has been treated over the surface to be exposed, as Well as over the formedP portion with a rlgidifying coating, for instance, a hydraulic cement.

With these and related purposes in view, I

35 show in the accompanying `drawing such instances of adaptation as will disclose the broad underlying features of the invention without limiting myself to thel specillc details shown and described herein.

40 Figure lis a face view of assembled composite units oi' my invention.

Figure 2 is a sectional view taken at 2-2 of Figure 1. A 1

Figure 3 is a cross sectional' view of a modifi- 45 cation of the structure of Figure 2, and

Figure 4 is a cross sectional view of a further Y modification of my invention.v

Referring to the figures of the drawing wherein similar numerals indicate similar parts of the 50 structure, i0 is a base of stiff or rigid characteristics, to be covered and preferably comprising a body of compressed or cemented vegetable and/or mineral -brous material, for instance, bagasse, wood, substantially pure cellulose liber, 55 paper, asbestos, mineral wool, animal hair, and

(o1. zo-s) v others, usually used either alone or in combination, or adapted to be used in the making of products generally known to those skilled in the art, as wallboard or insulating board. One form of commercial product of this character which 5 I may use, is marketed under the name Celotex. The fibrous base may be of the same structure throughout or may comprise a plurality of separate sheet-like plies bonded face to face by suitable cements to form an integral base structure.

The base may be rendered waterproof and/or fire-resistant by treatment with suitable agents, such asl silicates or bltumens, for instance, asphalt, tar or pitch, but preferably with a synthetic resin composition, comprising a phenol aldehyde resin or other known synthetic materials adapted to produce water insoluble impervious lms after evaporation of suitable solvents combined therewith. Such treatment may extend into one or more faces and edges of the base or ythroughout the base structure as by coating, saturating, or impregnating. Where the base is a laminated one, one or more plies only, preferably the outer ply, may be treated, particularly where a structure with greatest porosity, with its advantagestof heat and sound insulation, as well as lightness of mass, are desirable characteristics. The treatment may also be conned to certain sections of the base, particularly where said bases are to back-up weather joints of further covering material of the invention. Furthermore, the base -may be rendered weather-resistant by incorporating a water emulsion of bitumen or synthetic resin with the fibrous material prior to forming the same into sheet form.

The base may also be of the well known asphalt composition roofing and may be a plurality of such layers bonded together to form a layer of substantial thickness. Also, it may -be found desirable to employ a base of a hydraulic cement fiber composition made into sheet form by low or high pressure, but I prefer those made l by low pressure and which are light in mass. Bases of other cementitious and other ber compositions are also contemplated, as well as bases of any of the aforesaid types where the vingredients comprising the same have been processed or treated with foams or gasifying substances to render them more porous and lighter in weight, and to improve their insulating characteristics.

.In addition, I contemplate a base of bitumen mastic employing scrap materials as illlers. It will also be understood that the base I0 may be further treated with any of the materials previ'- 55 ously described to convey to the same additional protective coatings or surfacings.

The base covering, preferably a detached and loose member, is generally referred to by the 5 numeral I2 and preferably comprises a waterresistant foundation layer and a surface layer comprising a rigidifying composition. The foundation layer may be a layer of composition roofing, comprising a flexible felted fibrous layer of l0 any of the fibrous materials heretofore mentioned, preferably impregnated or saturated with a low melting point asphalt and coated with a further bituminous or resinous layer, also of the -types heretofore mentioned. Such material is also generally surfaced with a layer of individual granules such as slate, brick, tile or cement, which are partially embedded into and bonded to the adhesive layer. Composition material of this type may be made in the manner described in the Harshberger Patent No. 1,913,667, granted June The base Ill is preferably of tapered section, formed at its butt edge face with a groove It creating a lip or projection I6 at the rear face of said portion, and a further lip or projection I8 at the outer face of said portion. It would be noted that the lip I6 is formed with an outwardly tapered section, the purpose of which will be hereinafter more readily discernible. Moreover, it will be observed that the lip I8 is of greater depth than the lip I6 in order to provide an adequate lap for adjacent courses of composite units. The upper edge portion of the base I Il is formed at its rear face with a recess or rabbet,

which is substantially complementary in shape to the lip I6. In assembly, the tongue or lip I6 interlocks with the recess 2li, producing an automatic registration of adjacent bases and serving to hold the lower k'portion of the base II) in posi- 40 tion against the supporting surface.

The cover member I2 has a body portion which is substantially the depth of the base I0 and the butt portion of said cover piece is formed with a hook-like extension 22, whichiits over the lip or projection I8 of the base I0. In this manner it will be seen that the lip I8 serves to hold the cover member in position. Preferably, the cover piece I2 includes an outer coating to lend rigidity to the face portion and to the bend 22. This 0 coating will be particularly employed Where composition roofing is used for the cover piece and preferably comprises a hydraulic cement, of which Portland and oxychloride cements are examples, but more preferably comprises a high aluminate cement composition. The coverl piece I2 may also be rigidied by a coating layer of a synthetic resin which, when hardened, forms a stiff film or layer. Obviously, the rigidifying coatings referred to may extend over the whole surface of the cover piece or may be limited to such portions as the rigidifying characteristics may be required. It will be noted that the depth of the retroverted portion of the hook 22 is slightly less in depth than the depth of the lip I8.

In assembly, a lower course of bases III are secured to the supporting surface, which may be boarding, as illustrated in Figure 2, although it will be understood that any foundation suitable for mounting my base elements may be employed.

The bases I0 may be of any desired length suitable for handling, but it will be understood that by reason of their stiffness they may be of considerable size. 'I'he bases in a course are laid with their ends substantially abutting. When the first 7H course of bases have been positioned and secured thereof into the recess of the previous laid bases, 10.

and such will hold the said base in position.' The cover piece I2 will then be located in .the manner previously described and secured by the fasteners 24. It will, of course, be understood that this procedure may be altered, that is, the cover piece l5 may be assembled prior to application with the base I0 as a permanent part thereof by tacking it upon the base I0 by suitable fasteners or an adhesive of the types heretofore mentioned, or the two may be handled as loose units but posi- 20 tioned simultaneously against the supporting surface.

In order to protect the joints between adjacent cover pieces, I provide joint or batten strips 26, which mayV be recessed into the base I0 at any 25 suitable position. However, these strips may be dispensed with where the base itself has been treated to be weather-resistant, it being merely necessary to have the joints between adjacent cover pieces occur at a position other than the 30 joint between adjacent bases .in the same course. Moreover, while the batten strip 26 is illustrated asga thin member, it may be a piece having a section similar to the base I Il.

It will be appreciated that a stormtight siding 35 is obtainable by the disclosed structure, and that the composite units are readily applied and require a minimum of fastening. Obviously, the cover pieces, being separable members, are free to expand and contract at will, and in this manner any buckling thereof will be substantially avoided.

In Figures 3 and 4, I have shown additional features of my invention. Figure 3 illustrates the 45 joint between two adjacent courses of my composite units and discloses the lower part of one composite unit interlocked with the upper part of a similar composite unit. The base of this composite structure is generally referred to by the 50 numeral 30 and the cover piece by the numeral 32. It will be seen that the butt portion of the base 30 is formed with a recess 34 at its rear face that is less than that is, with a recess or rabbet having converging sides. It will be noted that 55 the recess creates a lip or projection 36, also that the rear face of the lip 3,6 is substantially parallel to the front face thereof, and that the adjoining face of the recess slopes downwardly to form a further V-shaped projection 38. 'I'he upper edge 60 portion of' the base-30 is formed with a sloping edge, creating 'a V-projection, complementary in shape to the projection 33. It will be understood that these composite units may be assembled in the same manner as described with respect to the 65 units of Figure 2, as by fasteners 40, and that this construction also only requires a single row of fasteners. The projection 38 produces a simple and ready interlock with the upper edge of the base of another unit and arranges itself slightly 70' omitting the interlocking feature of the previ- 76.-

ously described figures. 'I'he base in this gllre is referred to by the numeral 42 and is also formed with a lower edge recess 4,6, which is, however, of greater than 90 between its faces. Thus, it will be noted that the upper edge of the recess is beveled in the opposite direction to that of the recess in Figure 3. The base d2 includes a lip 48, over which the cover piece M is secured. I'he upper edge face of the base is provided with a bevel face 50 paralleling -the upper edge of the recess t6. The composite units are assembled as previously described, except .that in the instant construction no interlock occurs but the upper edge of the recess of one base is abutted against the face 50 of thev bases in the adjacent lower course and is fastened in position as by nails l. Subsequently, the cover piece is attached and fastened adjacent the upper edge as by nails 52.

It will be understood that the bases and cover pieces of Figures 3 and t may be made of the same materials as those referred to with respect to the constructions of Figures l and 2, and that similarly, joint protection strips may be provided in their assembly. It should be noted that in each construction disclosed the adjacent bases in different courses register and abut with each other and thereby form .a continuous insulation covering. It will also lbe appreciated thatwhile the features of the invention have been described with respect to appl cation .to a flat boarding surface, the same feat es may be employed by a modification of the bases in connection with a clapboard siding or shingle surface. l.

From a consideration of the foregoing description, it will be seen that I have producedfnovel surface covering products and siding construc- .tions thereof, as well as constructions adapted to rapid application. It will bev understoodv that many changes in the foregoing exemplified features will suggest themselves to those skilled in face of said base, said lip being substantially complementary to said rabbet, there" being a second lip along said lower edge adjacent the front face of said base, said second lip being of greater depth than said first named lip and spaced therefrom by an intervening recess of greater width than the thickness of said rear lip.

2. A siding unit comprising a base, the upper edge of said base having a chamfered face forming an acute angle with the rear face thereof, the lower edge of` said base having a projecting lip at the front face of the base and a. chamfered face adjacent said lip forming an obtuse angle with said rear face, saidupper and lower chamfered faces being substantially parallel, and the length of said lower chamfered face being greater than the upper chamfered face such that the said lip will be spaced from the front face of another similar unit in assembly when said units are' secured` to a support with the said lip overlapping the base of said similar unit.

3. In a building structure, courses of siding units as claimed in'claim 2, including loose cover pieces having lower bent edge.portions engaged with the front lips of -said units, said bent edge f portions bearing against the face of cover pieces of underlying courses and the rear faces of said base pieces being substantially in one plane.

4. A siding covering comprising a support and overlapping courses of composite units, each comprising a heat and cold insulating base and a weather-resistant cover piece therefor, said base having a pair of projecting lips at its lower edge, one adjacent each face, and another projecting lip at its upper edge, said lower lips being spaced apart a distance greater `than the thickness of the rear lip and said cover piece having a bent lower edge portion, each cover piece in a course having its bent portion engaged with the lower front projecting lip of a base in the same course, and both base and cover piece being secured to the support by common fastening means adjacent their upper edges, said lower rear lip being interlocked Vwith the upper lip of a base in an adjacent lower course and the lower front lip portion of said composite unit overlapping the common fastening means of the composite units in said adjacent lower course and said cover pieces in a course being separately mountable.

5. A siding covering as claimed in claim 4, wherein the bases are of fiber insulating board and the cover pieces are of granule surfaced asphalt coated felt and include a rigidifying coating comprising a hydrauliccement composition over the exposed face and over the bent lower edge portion.

6. A siding covering as claimed in claim 4p wherein the bases are of fiber insulating board and the cover pieces are of gra-hule surfaced asphalt coated felt andy include a rigidifying coating over the exposed face and over the bent lower edge portion.

7. A siding covering comprising a support and overlapping courses of composite units, each comprising a heat and cold insulating base and a weather-resistant cover piece therefor, each base having a projecting lip at its lower edge and upwardly and rearwardly sloping faces at its upper and lower edges and each cover piece having a bent lower edge portion, each cover piece in a course having its bent edge portion engaged with-the projecting lip of a base in the same course and both base and cover piece being secured to the support by common fastening means adjacent their upper edges, and there being a second fastening means for -each base near its buttin a position covered by said cover piece, and eaoh course of units having their lower sloping base faces abutting the upper sloping basefaces of units in .the adjacent lower course and the lip portions thereof overlapping said adjacent lower course of units and covering the common Dfastening means thereof.

end having a lip at its frontl face, said cover piecehaving a preformed hook-like lower edge portion freely engageable with the base lip, the distance from the under face of the base lip to the rear face of the base being substantially the thickness of the base at its upper end portion measured from the rear to front faces of thebase, plus the thickness of two layers of cover piece material.

10. A siding unit comprising in combination, a base of heat and cold insulatingmaterial and a cover piece, said base having an upper edge lip and a pair of lower edge lips spaced from each other, one of said lower lips being of greater depth .than the other, said cover piece having a preformed bent lower edge portion freely engageable with the longer of said lower edge lips of the base, the distance between said lower edge lips of the base being substantially equal to the thickness of the upperedge lip, plus the thickness of `two layers of cover piece materlal, and said base and cover piece being mountable separately or as a unit.

11. A siding covering comprising a support and courses of composite units, each comprising a heat and cold insulating base and a loose weather-resistant cover piece therefor, each base having a projecting lip at its lower edge and each cover piece having a preformed bent lower edge portion, said units being laid with the bases secured .to the support through their butt portions and with their lip portions. overlapping the bases of a subjacent course, and said cover pieces having their bent portions freely engaged with the lips of the base pieces in the saine course and covering the base securing means, and said cover pieces being secured to the support adjacent their upper edges in .the area covered by the overlapping lips of other units.

12. A siding covering comprising a support, and courses of heat and cold insulating bases and vseparable weather-resistant cover pieces therefor, the bases in a course having an upper edge recess, a rear lower edge lip substantially complementary'to said recess and a lower front edge lip of greater depth than the rear lip, and the cover pieces having a lower hook-like edge portion for interlocking with said bases, said bases being laid with their rear lips engaged with the upper edge recesses of bases of a subjacent course and with the front lip overlapping the upper edge of said subjacent bases and said cover pieces having their hook-like portions engaged with the front lips of the bases and being nailed to the support in the area covered by the front lips of the next higher course of bases, said base rear lips having sufficient length to hold the bases in a course in position without other securing means while assembling said cover pieces, said base and cover piece being mountable in assembly either separately or as a unit.

13. A strip of the character described, comprising a base tapering in cross section and having an undercut along its lower edge, and a sheet of waterproof material extending over the top side of said base from a short distancel` from its narrow edge around its lower edge into said undercut.

14. A strip of the character described, comprising a base tapering in cross section and having an undercut along its lower edge, and a sheet of waterproof material extending over the top prising a base ,tapering in cross section and having an undercut along its lower edge, a sheet of waterproof material extending over the top side of said base from a short distance from its nar-f row edge around its lower edge into said undercut, and a layer of adhesive felt extending from the upper edge of said base under said sheet.

AUGUSTUS S. VANE. 

